Wide range rearview mirror with signal and safety lights

ABSTRACT

A module of signal light and safety light is created for mounting onto the housing at the edge cover of the exterior rearview mirror of motor vehicles. Within the module wherein the signal light is installed at the upper compartment and the safety light at the lower compartment providing flashing turning signal and safety light illumination respectively for the vehicles. The invented module of signal and safety lights is designed for the mirror edge angle of 128° which is 38° wider than ordinary rearview mirror. The flashing of signal and the illumination of night light could be seen from the rear, the side and the front for driving safety on the road. Another advantage is that the flashing of signals would not be able to glare the eyes of the driver. The other few more patterns of signal and safety lights incorporated into the present invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror are created on the same rationale and methology. The exterior rearview mirror is an invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror with ¼ (25%) of curvature reflective mirror as composite to ¾ (75%) flat reflective mirror. This composition with the curvature mirror in radius of 18 inches and the bending curve angle of 2.5° is the most effective rearview mirror as the maximum area of non-distortion (75%) could reflects objects as real as existing and the minimum area of curvature mirror (25%) could widen the scope of view and cover the blind spot with only a negligible distortion. This fine tuning model designed through computer Curve Fitting Program incorporated with the signal and safety light system would be the most effective multifunctional device for driving safety on the roads.

BACK GROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The subject invention is related to an improvement of exterior rearview mirror for driving safety by providing an invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror equipped with a signal and safety light system to be installed on both sides of the motor vehicles. The subject invention is further more directly related to an improvement of driving safety as the Wide Range Rearview Mirror is a combination of a ¼ (25%) curvature reflective mirror with a ¾ (75%) flat reflection mirror, serving the purpose of covering the blind spot. Finally, the subject invention also provide with an invention of module incorporated with signal light and safety light mounted on to the housing at the edge cover of the mirror as added function to the mirror for enhancing the driving safety of cars, vans, cruisers, trucks, buses and trailers and the like, when the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirrors with lights are installed to the vehicles. There are many inventive products in the market tried to solve the problem of blind spot of the flat rearview mirror of the vehicles. There are many round shape spherical mirrors and arc curve mirrors in different sizes available. They serve the purpose of covering the blind spots with defeats. There are rooms for improvement and upgrade the present flat rearview mirror. There are two aspects of this invention, one is to provide a wide range view to the rearview mirror covering the blind spot and another is to provide signal light and safety light to the rearview mirror as a completed device for safety driving of the vehicles. This innovative invention, Wide Range Rearview Mirror with signal and safety lights is a prior art to achieve completeness and excellence on scientific basic. The innovative idea is that the objects reflecting in the mirror must be real as existing and at the same time covering the blind spot. The invention of a ¼ (25%) bending curvature mirror as a composite of a flat reflective mirror of ¾ (75%) horizontal length is the best combination for solving the present problem.

[0002] Presently, there is a design of rearview mirror for the bend curve gradually extended to both sides to the edges of the rearview mirror. The curvature point of this arc curve convex reflective mirror is at the center. This was disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,934 an arc curve rearview mirror which has been installed at the right side of the new vehicles. Though it covers the blind spot but the side effect is the distortion that the manufacturer had to warn the drivers concerning the defects. There are other spherical mirrors installed to the heavy vehicles, the reflective areas are more extensive than a conventional flat mirror. The additional views are gained through the spherical reflective surface often causes distortion in size and distance. There are two more rearview mirrors with combination of a curvature mirror at the edge to cover the blind spot. One is the wide-angle rearview mirror of U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,382. The rearview mirror is a combination of a curvature reflective convex surface mirror of ⅖ (40%) in length with bending curve of 10° as composite to a main convex reflective mirror of ⅗ (60%) in length. Another is the U.S. Pat. No. 5,805,367. The rearview mirror is a rearview mirror having a wide visibility and an anti-glare function. The composition of his rearview mirror is the curvature mirror with the width of ⅓ length (33%) of the rearview mirror joined as a composite to the planar reflective mirror of ⅔ (67%) in length. Both of his curvature mirror and main planar reflective mirrors are convex surfaced. Though a little more view could be gained by the convex surface, but might cause a little more distortion. The present invention is the Wide Range Rearview Mirror with a combination of a curvature reflective mirror of ¼ (25%) horizontal length with a main reflective flat mirror of ¾ (75%) horizontal length. The radius of the curvative mirror is 18 inches and the bending curve angle is 2.5°, the smallest angle of all. Both curvature and main flat mirror are in smooth reflective surface and not convex surface. For further improvement, the reflective surface would be sprayed with scotch guard for water proof Compare to ⅖ (40%) length of the curvature convex surface mirror and ⅓ (33%) length of the curvature convex surface mirror, the present ¼ (25%) horizontal length of the curvature reflective mirror is the shortest in curvature length for the purpose of reducing the distortion of image to a negligible level so that the driver would not be confused of size and distance. Comparatively, it is more effective and efficient as this fine tuning model is done through the computer Curve Fitting Program for excellence.

[0003] Concerning the provision of signal light to the exterior rearview mirror, there are a few patented signal indicators mounted onto the rearview mirror or have it hidden under the mirror surface operating through electrical heating system. The U.S. Pat. No. 6,426,485B, provides heater system for a diffused lighted signal to the mirror assembly. This light diffusing signal could only be seen by the vehicles at the rear. The vehicles at the side lanes are hardly able to notice the flashing of signal, which is under the eyes of the driver. The U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,208 B2 provides an exterior mirror system incorporated with a signal light into the exterior rearview mirror assembly. The signal light provides a light pattern which lights are emitting forwardly and rearwardly. The flashing signals of this patent is within the view of the driver.

[0004] In order to rectify the current defects, a wider angle of the mirror edge needed to be created to accommodate the specially designed module for signal light and safety light to be mounted onto the mirror housing. The methology of creating the wider mirror edge angle is illustrated at FIG. 28C. The prior art is to create module of signal light and safety light for mounting onto the housing of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror. The signal and safety light system for the Wide Range Rearview Mirror are designed in many patterns for choice and aesthetical reason. The flashing signals of any of the signal light patterns of the present invention could be seen from the vehicles at rear, at the side lanes and at the front. The signal light is hidden behind the mirror cover and does not able to glare the eyes of the driver and thus driving safety is enhanced. There are currently two groups of rearview mirrors for motor vehicles. One is the spherical mirrors, arc curve mirror and combination mirrors. This group of mirrors could only deal with blind spot with distortion and without signal light. Another group is the rearview mirrors incorporated with signal lights but the mirrors are conventional flat mirrors which are not able to cover the blind spot.

[0005] The present invention, Wide Range Rearview Mirror incorporated signal light and safety light is outstandingly stand alone. This unique model covers three areas; firstly, the blind spot, secondly, the turning signal, and thirdly, the safety light for safety driving at night. The real advantages of this invented model are briefly stated hereunder:

[0006] 1. The best combination of a curvature reflective mirror and a flat reflective mirror in composition of ¼ (25%) and ¾ (75%) ratio for reflecting real image and covering the blind spot with negligible distortion. It is done though computer Curve Fitting Program. Scientifically and methodologically, it is the most effective rearview mirror.

[0007] 2. The Wide Range Rearview Mirror incorporated with the signal light with the created mirror edge of 128° angle is to increase the visibility of the flashing of signal light. The flashing signals could be seen from the front, the side lanes and the rear without glaring the eyes of the driver.

[0008] 3. The illumination of safety light at night is especially provided to those drivers who are traveling on the two-way, two-lane roadway to have a chance to judge the size of the incoming vehicles traveling on the opposite direction so as to avoid collision. Simultaneously, it is also enable the driver of the opposite incoming vehicle to be aware of the size of our own vehicle. Presently, the present invented rearview mirror is the only rearview mirror for motor vehicles equipped with all these features. It is a perfect, multifunctional and unique device for life-saving and pleasant driving on the road. This invention covers the rearview mirrors of motorcycles and scooters for the benefit of the riders.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention and its objectives, advantages and contributions, a brief description on drawings are provided hereunder:

[0010]FIG. 1 depicts the perspective view of the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror incorporated with signal and safety lights.

[0011]FIG. 2 depicts the perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror.

[0012]FIG. 3 illustrates the inventive steps of obtaining the curvature Radius for the bending curve portion of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror.

[0013]FIG. 4 depicts the bending length of mirror in horizontal length

[0014]FIG. 5 is a comparison view range of a flat mirror with the invented flat mirror with end bending curvature.

[0015]FIG. 6 shows a comparison between the present invention and the previous wide angle rearview mirror.

[0016]FIG. 7 is the cross sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror, indicating the ¼ (25%) portion of the cuture reflective mirror.

[0017]FIG. 7A shows a cross section view of the mirror surface of FIG. 7.

[0018]FIG. 8 depicts the design of the mirror frame with back base.

[0019]FIG. 8A illustrates the manner of connecting the invented mirror to the body of a conventional rearview mirror.

[0020]FIG. 9 is a flat reflective mirror.

[0021]FIG. 10 is the recently invented arc curve rearview mirror installed at the right side of new vehicles.

[0022]FIG. 11 is the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror with ¼ (25%) curvature at the right side.

[0023]FIG. 12 depicts the invented ¼ curvature reflective mirror is separated from the combination and become an independent curvature mirror.

[0024]FIG. 13FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are the independent curvature mirror separated from the combination.

[0025]FIG. 14 depicts the elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror with a module of signal light and safely light mounting at the side cover as Pattern I.

[0026]FIG. 14A is the front view of the mirror cover indicating the view of the installed signal light and safety light.

[0027]FIG. 14B is the top view of the mirror cover indicating the lights installed.

[0028]FIG. 14X depicts the elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror with mounting of an oval shape of signal light to the edge cover.

[0029]FIG. 14Y is the front view of the invented Rearview Mirror installed with another pattern of signal and safety light system comprising three lights in oval shapes.

[0030]FIG. 14Z is the top view of the invented rearview mirror indicating the signal light and safety light system installed.

[0031]FIG. 15 depicts the side view of the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror for cruisers, trucks and vans with the installed signal light pattern.

[0032]FIG. 15A depicts the front view of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror for trucks, cruisers and vans installed with the signal light and safety light as Pattern II.

[0033]FIG. 15B depicts the front view of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror installed with signal and safety lights as Pattern IIa.

[0034]FIG. 15C depicts the front view of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror installed with signal light and safety light both with two outlets as Pattern IIb.

[0035]FIG. 16 depicts the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror with cover for buses and trailers.

[0036]FIG. 16A depicts the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror extended in sizes both vertically and horizontally for buses, and heavy vehicles.

[0037]FIG. 17 depicts the perspective view of the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror for buses and trailers and heavy vehicles with the side cover installed with signal light.

[0038]FIG. 18 shows the front cover of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror for buses, trailers and heavy vehicles with a module of a signal light and a safety light mounting onto it

[0039]FIG. 19 gives illustration of the full view of the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror covering the blind spot.

[0040]FIG. 20 is the front view of a vehicle illustrating the signal light generated.

[0041]FIG. 21 is the side view of a vehicle illustrating the signal light pattern.

[0042]FIG. 22 is the schematic view of the signal light covering zones.

[0043]FIG. 23 indicates the front view of the safety light illuminating from a trailer.

[0044]FIG. 24 shows that the safety light installed at the cover of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror seen from the front view.

[0045]FIG. 25 illustrates the top view of the safety light illuminating from a truck and FIG. 25A is the front view of its safety light illuminating pattern.

[0046]FIG. 26 illustrates how the signal light installed at the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror for trucks and trailers could save lives.

[0047]FIG. 27 illustrates how the safety light installed at the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror for trucks and trailers could avoid road accidents.

[0048]FIG. 28 indicates how the additional portion of the mirror cover is created for space to accommodate the signal light and safety light as a new pattern of vehicle mirror.

[0049]FIG. 28A shows the edge cover of the existing rearview mirror at about 90° bending curve.

[0050]FIG. 28B shows the edge cover of the existing rearview mirror at about 70° bending curve.

[0051]FIG. 28C indicates the existing space of the mirror and the created space for the mirror for mounting of signal light and safety light module.

[0052]FIG. 29 is the perspective view and cross section view of the module for a signal light and a safety light as Pattern I.

[0053]FIG. 29A is the top view and cross section view of the module for signal light as Pattern I.

[0054]FIG. 29B illustrates the exploded perspective view of an integrated module of signal light and safety light assembly in accordance with the present invention.

[0055]FIG. 30 is a perspective view and cross section view of the signal light module incorporating with a safety light for bigger size of rearview mirror as Pattern II.

[0056]FIG. 31 is a perspective view and cross section view of the signal light module incorporating with two signal light outlets and one s light as Pattern IIa.

[0057]FIG. 32 indicates the front view and cross section view of the signal light module providing two emitting outlets and so does the safety light as Pattern IIb.

[0058]FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the module incorporating with signal light and safety light for the Wide Range Rearview Mirror for buses and trailers as Pattern III.

[0059]FIG. 33A indicates the module of signal light for the edge cover of the mirror.

[0060]FIG. 33B shows the module of signal and safety lights as an integrated part is mounting to the front cover of the invented rearview mirror for trailers and heavy vehicles.

[0061]FIG. 34 indicates the block diagram of an electrical control system for signal light and safety-light of Pattern I, Ia, II, IIa, IIb, IIc.

[0062]FIG. 35 indicates the block diagram of an electrical control system for two signal lights and one safety light system of Pattern m for buses and trailers and other heavy vehicles.

[0063]FIG. 36 depicts the side view of the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror for motorcycles and scooters.

[0064]FIG. 36A, FIG. 36B, and FIG. 36C are showing the three variations of a pattern.

[0065]FIG. 37 depicts another side view of the invented mirror for motorcycles and scooters.

[0066]FIG. 37A and FIG. 37B are two more variations of the earlier patterns of the invented rearview mirror for motorcycles and scooters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0067] With reference to the drawings and the illustrations depicted herein, FIG. 1 depicts the appearance of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror incorporated with a signal and safety light system fixed with cover (11) holder (12) and hanger (13) for connecting to the vehicles. The rearview mirror is installed with the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror (14) which is depicted at FIG. 2. This curvature mirror is for the left side of vehicles. The replica for curvature mirror at the right is for the right side of vehicles.

[0068]FIG. 2 depicts the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror in Plane View in accordance with the invention. This rearview mirror is a flat reflective mirror in ¾ (75%) horizontal length (9) to (7) extended with a curvature mirror in ¼ (25%) horizontal length at (10), the point (8) indicates mid point of the invented mirror. (1) is the upper flat corner and (2) is the lower flat corner. The main zone is (5) and gradually extended to central curve (6). (3) is the upper edge of the curve mirror and (4) is the lower edge of the curve mirror. The upper curve (3) and lower curve (4) with the central curve (6) formed a completed curvature mirror which gradually and smoothly joined with the main zone flat mirror at the point (7). This formed a completed Wide Range Rearview Mirror. The objects reflecting from the main zone is truth as existing. The objects reflected in the side curve zone could cause a negligible distortion of 1-2 feet varies with distances. The real advantage is with this wider scope, the existing blind spot is eliminated. The problem of blind spot is thus solved.

[0069]FIG. 3 illustrates the steps in obtaining the radius for the curvature mirror. It is to create a bending curvature tangent to its flat mirror. Assumed that the line XY is a flat mirror, the line XZ is ¼ (25%) portion of the mirror. In order to create a curvature, an angel of 177.5° (mid of 176° and 179°) is created at point X and extended as line A- At the center XA draw a 90° vertical perpendicular line BR and extended to E. Make a line C from the intersection of point E. Then make a line D₁, from the intersection point and perpendicular to line C. Make a line D₂ from the end point of ¾ (75%) of flat mirror perpendicular to line XY. The intersection point of the line D₁ and line D₂ is the center of the mirror's curvature of ¼ of the mirror horizontal length. The curvature radius is obtained for a mirror of 6½ inches with ¼ (25%) bending curvature. The curvature radius is the line R which is 18 inches. The angle of the bending curve is 2.5°. The drawing is not according to scale, for illustration only.

[0070] When the curvature radius is known, then the curvature of the bending curve line of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror could be drawn. The Bending Curve Degree is known and the Curvature Radius is known, the size of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror is known, the mold of the mirror could be easily made through Solid Work Program for prototype and production.

[0071]FIG. 4 indicates the ¼ Bending Length of Mirror horizontal length in which (15) indicates ¼ mirror bending nature tangent to the ¾ flat portion. (16) is the flat reflective mirror, (17) is the mirror Bending Angle between 176° and 179°, (18) is the ¼ mirror horizontal length and (19) is the mirror horizontal length (6.5 inch). The mirror Bending Curvature radius is between 1 to 2 feet. In order to show the wider view gained by the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror, the diagram in FIG. 5 illustrates in comparison. In the diagram, (20) represents a flat mirror and (21) is a reflective mirror with Bending Curvature at end portion. Wherein (22) is the portion of eye sight. Comparatively smaller cope of view (23) of the flat mirror due to smaller reflective angle. Whereas Wide Range Rearview Mirror gained wider scope of view (24) due to the End Bending Curvature, the scope gained is between line (25) and line (26). Because of this gained wider view, approximately 32%, the present blind spot is covered with a distortion ratio of 1-2 feet varies with distances which is negligible.

[0072] The FIG. 6 illustrates a comparison of two rearview mirrors. One is the patent of invention with ⅖ (40%) of curvature reflective mirror (7 a) to (10 a) bending crve angle of 10° indicated (5 b) and another is the present invention with ¼ (25%) of curvature reflective mirror from (7) to (10) at the bending curve angle of 2.5° indicated (5 a). We learn and understand from the spherical reflective mirror and the arc curvature mirror that the more is the curvature of the mirror, the more is the distortion of image. Similarly, we do not have to bend curve with a bending angle of 10° for any of the curvature mirror to cover the blind spot which is just at the edge of the mirror. The higher degree of bending angle and the more portion of the curvature mirror, the more would be the distortion of image. According to methological calculation from the inventive steps with the computer Curve Fitting Program for a rearview mirror of 6½″ in horizontal length and irrespective of height, with ¼ (25%) curvature mirror, the fine tuning bending curvature angle is 2.5° with a radius of 18 inches. If the total horizontal length of the reflective mirror is extended to 8″, and the curvature mirror remained at ¼ (25%) in length, then the bending curvature angle would be increased to 3.5°. The Wide Range Rearview Mirror manufactured according to this fine tuning design could cover the blind spot filly. The illustration in FIG. 6, one could observe that the greater area of curvature reflective mirror, the more is the distortion area. The line marked (7) to (7 a) area is the additional distortion areas of ⅖ (40%) curvature mirror as compare to the present invention ¼ (25%) curvature mirror. The higher degree of bending angle, the more acute curvature is the curvature reflective mirror and thus more distortion is the image. The bending angle of earlier patent is 10°. The present invention with bending curve angle of 2.5° which could reduce the distortion of size and distance to a negligible level. The greater advantages of the present invention, Wide Range Rearview Mirror, is having the biggest non-distortion area, flat reflective mirror of ¾ (75%) in horizontal length and the shortest curvature reflective mirror of ¼ (25%) with the lowest bending curve angle of 2.5° for the real and less distortion image. The structure of the present invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror is based on methological calculation with the assistance from computer—Auto Cad—Curve Fitting Program for the best and the most effective model. It has been observed that the structure of blindly designed would not yield good result. The rearview mirror of motor vehicles is a safety device, it is essential and fair to provide a most effective rearview mirror to the vehicle owners.

[0073]FIG. 7 is a cross section side view of the preferred embodiment of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror indicating the radius of the ¼ (25%) portion of the curvature reflective mirror (7) to (10) as composite to a flat reflective mirror ¾ (75%) in horizontal length (7) to (9).

[0074]FIG. 7A shows a cross section view of the mirror surface of FIG. 7 in which (27) is the reflective Wide Range Rearview Mirror (27 a) is the scotch guard, (28 a) is the plastic sheet protecting the mirror and (28) is the mounting frame around the mirror. The frame is with backing frame providing with connective hooks.

[0075]FIG. 8 depicts the design of the back portion of the frame for the Wide Range Rearview Mirror in which (29) is base and (30) is a small box with wire socket. The 4 guide-nuts (32) are to ensure the right position of the mirror. It is adjustable and stable. The connective hooks (31) are provided for connecting to the body of the mirror.

[0076]FIG. 8A depicts the manner of connecting of the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror to the body of a conventional rearview mirror. The back frame is provided with two round hooks (31) as shown at FIG. 8B. These hooks are to be hooked to the holes provided at the panel (32) which is tied with the installation (34) of the body of the mirror. The hooks are with room for judging. The position of the hooks could be designed to fix the existing holes of the panel of the existing body of the mirror on agreement. The small box (30) providing with control wire socket for the mirror controlling wires of the mirror body to be connected. When it is done, the driver at the seat could adjust the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror through the interior control switch.

[0077] A simple comparison of three types of rearview mirrors is presented; At FIG. 9 depicts a flat mirror. The flat rearview mirror could not cover the blind spot. The arc curve rearview mirror could cover the blind spot with distortion. FIG. 10 shows an arc curve reflective mirror with a bending curvature angle (5 c) which is bigger than the bending curvature angle (5 a) of the present invented rearview mirror. FIG. 11 is the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror with composite of ¼ (25%) portion of the curvature reflective mirror with a radius of 18 inches and the bending angle of 2.5°, the smallest degree among all the curvature reflective mirror. Presented in diagram, the superiority is obvious.

[0078]FIG. 12 depicts the ¼ (25%) curvature reflective mirror is separating from the Wide Range Rearview Mirror and become an independent side curvature mirror. FIG. 13 is the Side Curvature Mirror separated from the combination. FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B indicate that the side curvature mirror are shaped nicely for affixing to the existing flat rearview mirror.

[0079] The present invented exterior rearview mirror equipped with an invented signal and safety light system as an added function, could make the model perfect. An added function is an added contribution. Based on this rationale, the module of signal light and safety light system is now mounted onto the mirror housing. FIG. 14 indicates the oval shape of light module is mounted to the edge of the cover of the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror. The added light module is installed with one signal light (30) at the upper compartment and safety light (31) at the lower. The color preferred for signal light is Amber Red. The color for the safety light (31) is Amber Yellow or clear white. The details are depicted at FIG. 29. The rationale of installing signal light at the extreme edge is to avoid the flashing glaring of the signal light affects the driver. It is for safety and comfort consideration.

[0080] With the added function of the mirror, the vehicles follow at the rear and at the side lanes could notice immediately the turning signal and thus accident could be avoided. FIG. 14A is the front view of the mirror with the signal light (30) and safety light (31). One could see now that the added lighting system is in oval shape covering the illuminating scope in front, side and rear. The illuminating patterns are depicted in diagram FIGS. 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27. Together with FIG. 14, FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, FIG. 15, FIG. 15-1, FIG. 15A, FIG. 15B, FIG. 15C, and FIG. 1 are placed for a complete picture of this added value invention. It is observed that the driver of the vehicle would not see dazzling of the signal light, whereas the incoming vehicles, side lane vehicles and the vehicles following at the rears could notice the flashing signal because the mirror cover is specially designed to extend out a little at an angle of 128° from the point of the mirror edge as indicated in FIG. 28. FIG. 15 depicts another signal light pattern (32) for the invented bigger size of Wide Range Rearview Mirror for trucks, vans, and cruisers. Similarly, the driver would not see the flashing of the signal light which is in arrow like oval shape. FIG. 15A is the front view of the mirror cover. The signal light (32) in oval shape could also be seen from the front. The safety light (33) is in round shape. The main contribution of this pattern is that the incoming vehicles from opposite direction can judge the size of the vehicle installed with this safety light system. This is critical important when a vehicle is traveling on the two-way, two lane roads in the developing countries. Many head-on collisions at night were due to wrong judgments of the drivers on the incoming vehicles. On the narrow two-way, two lane road without street lights, a huge truck or trailer were judged as cars. More often than not, these huge vehicles encroach into the incoming lane making the situation worse. The safety light at this rearview mirror could save life and avoid tragedies. FIG. 15B depicts the front view of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror for trucks, cruisers and Vans mounted with the Module of signal light with two outlets and one outlet for safety light. Depicts in FIG. 15C is the front view of the invented mirror mounted with signal lights and safety both with two outlets. These two patterns 15B and 15C are matching with the round shape arrow image side light. FIG. 16 is the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror for buses and trailers with cover. FIG. 16A depicts the combination of the flat portion and of the curvature portion of the mirror. Similar to the mirror invented for the cars and the trucks, the curvature portion of the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror which is in wider visual scope could cover the blind spot with a negligible distortion of 1-2 feet varies with the distances. The prior art is to fine tune and reduce the distortion of a curvature mirror to its minimum.

[0081] With the installation of this invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror, the buses and trailers could have full rear view with neat installation and aesthetical pleasant. The mirrors could be designed in various sizes to meet the requirements of buses, trailers and other heavy vehicles. The invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror incorporate with signal light and safety light system is a good device for safety on the road. The provision of signal light and safety light features to the Wide Range Rearview Mirror for buses and trailer appears to be a priority in view of the numbers of accidents involved, especially in the developing countries. In FIG. 17 shows the perspective view of the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror with signal light for buses and trailers in the proposed size of 8 inch in horizontal width and vertical length of 16 inch. Wherein (35) is the cover and (40) is the designed signal light with housing within the cover. FIG. 18 depicts the front view of the cover of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror in which (35) is the frame and (39) is the outer cover. The portion indicated as (39A) is the designed module of the signal light and safety light. The signal light (41) is placed at the upper and the safety light (42) is placed at the lower part. The signal light would be in Amber red and the safety light would be in Amber yellow or clear white. The composition gives a pleasant eye view in addition to the safety effects.

[0082]FIG. 19 gives illustration of the blind spot which is the defect of the present rearview mirror. In which (43) is the vehicle without installing the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror. The driver could not see the approaching car (44) at his rear because the rearview range (45) of his conventional rearview mirror could not reflect. If the car (43) is installed with the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror with the end curve, then the visual scope is extended to (46), the blind spot is covered. The accidents while changing lane and cornering could be avoided and safety on the road is thus enhanced.

[0083] The innovative signal light and safety as added function of the invention, the Wide Range Rearview Mirror could further enhance the safety on the road. FIG. 20 shows the vehicle (47) installed with this invented exterior rearview mirror with signal lights. This is the front view of the signal light flashing pattern (49). FIG. 21 depicts the flashing of signal light pattern (50) from the side view. FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the vehicle and the flashing signal light pattern as indicated in FIG. 20. The same invented mirror is also incorporated with a safety light. FIG. 23 shows a trailer installed with the invented pattern m of the external mirror with light emitting pattern. The light pattern and the covered zones (52) and (53) are indicated. FIG. 24 is the light pattern (53) generated by the safety light from the invented exterior rearview mirror, viewed from the front. FIG. 25 depicts a top plan view of a truck and safety light pattern (54) and the covering zones. FIG. 25A is the mirror pattern. In the vehicle moving situation, traveling along road, the signal light at the Wide Range Rearview Mirror is practically enhancing the safety of the road. One of the instances is illustrated in FIG. 26. One could observe that the car (55) at the rear of the trailer (56) could not notice that the trailer (56) is going to change lane to the left as it had already passed over the rear signal (57) of the trailer. The car is in danger moving situation. If this trailer is installed with the invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror incorporated with signal light system, the car will notice the prewarning of the turning signal (58). Thus a road tragedy could be avoided.

[0084] The contribution to road safety of safety light system installed to the Wide Range Rearview Mirror is demonstrated in FIG. 27. A car (59) is traveling forward along the outgoing lane on a two-way, two lane roadway system in one of the South East Asian country. The road is comparatively well constructed with sand shoulder (60) grass area (61) and a road dividing line (62). These types of roadways are for transportation from city to town and town to city. They have toll-fee road for city to city. Those who want to save the toll fees would also travel on this type of road from city to city. This type of roadways is only facilitated with a central division line. There is always a risk for those who are traveling at night on this type of roadways. In FIG. 27 showing a huge trailer (64) is coming straight from the incoming lane even encroaching a little into the opposite lane. Encroaching into opposite lane is common in those countries. There came a huge trailer (64) approaching in the dark with head lights (65). It was fortunate that this trailer was installed with Wide Range Rearview Mirror incorporated with the safety light (66). Then the driver of the car (59) observed the light (63) emitting from the safety light (66) and was aware that the coming vehicle was a giant. He kept right and avoided him. People could now imagine why there were and there are so many deadly accidents happened at night in those countries. According to the Police Report with statistic released to the local press in Malaysia on 22 Jan. 1999 that road accidents on both four-lane high ways and two-lane roadways during the nine-day survey period were 18 cases and 477 cases respectively involving 129 deaths. Many of these deadly accidents were occurred during night drivings. Absolutely, the safety light installed at the rearview mirror could contribute a part towards the road safety.

[0085] In FIG. 28, it is shown that how the additional portion of the mirror cover is created with 128° curvature for space to accommodate the signal light and safety light as a new designed rearview mirror for automobiles. We observe that the curve angle of the present rearview mirrors are between 90° and 70° as illustrated in FIG. 28A and FIG. 28B. It is essential to have a new design and create additional space to house the module of the signal light and the safety light to be mounted to it. The new design mirror cover enable the lights emitting could be seen from the rear, the side and the front of the vehicle. In order to achieve this aim, a mirror cover edge with an angle between 90° and 140° is created. Procedurally, first make a straight line AB, and a line AC of 90° angle. Then make a radius line base for the prospective curvature A D at 50° angle. Then use compass to try with the appropriate radius length say 1½ inch and settle at a point of the radius line AD and draw an arc ale. If this arc curvature meets the requirement, then draw a tangent line AX and measure the angle of the curvature. It is 128°. Alternatively, one could predetermine the degree of the base angle of the curvature, say 135°, then draw the tangent line AX with 135° angle. The radius line AD could also be predetermined at 45°, 50° or 55° angle. Subsequently, use appropriate radius to try until it meets the desire. FIG. 28C indicates the portion gained space through the creative of the wider angle mirror cover. The portion (69) is the space gained for the edge of the mirror cover and (70) is the space gained for the front cover. One could observe that there is existing empty space (69 a) at the internal of edge cover and the internal space (70 a) adjacent to the holder. Those empty spaces are existing because the mechanism and electronic controlled system of the mirror are installed at the central of the mirror cover. With the created space (69) and (70) added to the existing empty spaces (69 a) and (70 a) of the mirror, it is more than sufficient room for the housing of the signal light and safety light mounting to the mirror cover without affecting the existing mechanism and electronic controlled system of the rearview mirror. When the invented signal light is mounted to the cover edge (71), and the safety light is mounted to the front cover (72), a wide range rearview mirror with signal and safety light system is completed as one of the patterns. In pursuing of excellence, these are three patterns designed for functional and aesthetical purposes. FIG. 29 depicts the installation of signal light and safety and the light sources. The new type LED bulb, Super Bolt Beam SJ828 and SJ848 are to be used for intense flashing of signal lights and magnificent illumination of safety lights for all the lights of the Wide Range Rearview Mirrors. These bulbs are the products of new technology, smaller in size, powerful and long life. Another advantage is that the bulb itself could emit color beam of red, orange, yellow and white for choice. The number (30) indicates the signal light cover in Amber Red or Amber Orange color and (31) is the safety light cover in clear white or yellow color. The bulb for signal light is (73). It could be LED Super Beam SJ828. The light reflectors are (75) and (76) for intense and brilliant illumination. The bulb for safety light is (74). It could be LED Super Beam SJ848. The light reflecting elements are (75) and (76) for similar purpose. (77) indicates the lighting system with a package module designed to be mounted to the edge corner of the mirror housing. (86) is the power source to be connected to the switch circuit of the vehicle. This design is pattern I. FIG. 30 depicts the signal light (32) and safety light (33) are separately mounted to the cover edge and front cover adjacent to the holder (12). In this module, (78) is the light cover with Amber Red or Orange color. The bulb for signal light (79) could be LED SJ828. (81) is the reflector elements for intense and brilliant illumination and so does (82) therein The module is a separate unit (80) designed to be mounted to the cover edge of the mirror housing. Whereas the safety light (33) in module (83) stands outstandingly in front. (84) is the light bulb and (85) is the reflector for intense illumination. The power wire (86) is to be connected with the light switch circuit of the vehicle. This design is pattern II of the light system. Another alternative for Pattern II is Pattern IIa which is depicting in FIG. 31. Instead of providing one long oval shape of signal light emitting outlet, provide two emitting outlets in round shape for aesthetical reason. The round shape arrow image at the edge cover is (32), and (32 a) is the round shape outlet at front adjacent to (32) having the same light source (79 a). The colors for these two signal lights, one (32) could be in Amber Red and another (32 a) in Amber orange. The reflector elements for both outlets are indicated as (87) and (87 a). The bulb for signal outlets (32) and (32 a) is LED Supper Beam type. The housing module is (80 a). For safety light outlet (33), is preferred to be in clear white. The bulb for safety light is (84 a) and the reflecting planar is (88). The module Unit is (83) and (86) is the power wire for connecting to the respective light switch circuit of a vehicle. FIG. 32 provides an additional light outlet (89) between the signal light (32 a) and the safety light (33) as another alternative as Pattern IIb. The light source for this light (89) in Amber yellow is from the bulb of the safety light though the long box shape light pipe (90). As indicated, along the light pipe (90), provides planar one side with plurality of faceted surfaces (91) for reflecting to the opposite side with clear reflector elements (92). This box shape light pipe (90) is a good channel for transmitting light to the outlet (89), especially by LED Super Beam. When the intense light shines on the reflector (93) which is also in faceted surfaces would reflect to the reflector element (94) and thus the light is emitting out from outlet (89). With this design, the additional light (89) outlet is illuminated. The package module for this Pattern IIb is indicated (95) therein. The light Patterns II, IIa and IIb designed for the Wide Range Rearview Mirror for vans and trucks are also applicable to the Wide Range Rearview Mirror for cars. The module of signal and safety light for buses and trailers is depicted in FIG. 33 and FIG. 33A. It is shown that the module of signal light (40) is in Amber Red mounting to the side of Wide Range Rearview Mirror for buses and trailers. Another separated module unit (96) comprising signal light (97) and safety light (98) is for mounting to the central front housing of the mirror. The signal bulb of the rear signal is (99) and the reflecting element is (100). The bulb of signal light for the central front is (101) and the bulb for the safety light is (102). The light reflector element for intense illumination are (103) and (104) for signal and safety light respectively. The glass cover for signal light (105) could be in Amber Red or Orange and for safety light (106) in clear white or yellow by using high brightness LED for magnificent effect. Again (86) is the power connector provided for connecting to the respective light switch circuit of the vehicle. This design is pattern III of the invented lighting system for the Wide Range Rearview Mirror. FIG. 33B illustrates the module of signal light and safety light for rearview mirror of heavy vehicles (39A) as an integrated part is mounting to the housing of the rearview mirror. Within the module, (41) is the signal light and (42) is the safety light. The electrical wires for connecting to vehicle is (86). The module will be tied with the mirror cover by strews at the at the two points (77 b). The mounting of the side signal light (40) is similar and simple. When the respective wires connected the respective circuits of the vehicle, this outstanding, most effective safety device is firmly established. The diagram at FIG. 34 shows the block diagram of electrical control system for the signal light and safety light each with one bulb as one system. Therein (30) is the signal light and (31) is the safety light. Therein also indicated that (32) is signal light and (33) is safety light for lighting system for trucks, cruisers and vans. Therefore, this diagram is applicable to Pattern I, Ia, II, IIa and IIb. This diagram is for both left and right side of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror for cars, vans, cruisers and trucks. The paralleled connection of power source is simple. On agreement, the wire socket of lighting system of the mirror will be designed for nicely fixed to the respective vehicles. The electrical engineer or technician of automobile company on the job know how to do the needful. FIG. 35 depicts the electrical control system for two modules, one for signal light and another with signal light and safety light. This diagram is applicable to the lighting system of two bulbs of signal lights and one bulb of safety light which is the Pattern III. In both FIG. 34 and FIG. 35, parallel connection to night light switch circuit is (107) and parallel connection to the signal light switch circuit is (108). The replica is for the right side of the mirror.

[0086] As stated earlier, the objective of this invention is to save lives by providing a multifunctional device for safety driving as well as riding. The road accidents involved motorcycles and scooters in the South East Asian developing countries were and are sickening and awful. On the roads, there are approximately 30%-60% of motorcycles and scooters plying day and night. In United States and other well developed countries, motorbikes are only used as riding pleasure in group trips for country sight seeing during spring and summer time. Whereas in those developing countries, the motorcycles and scooters are the convenient and affordable transport for the working class and low income groups. The more motorcycles on the roads the more traffic accidents occurred. It has been recognized that the frequent accidents involved the riders, apart from other reasons the defects of the signal lights which were lowly installed at the rear is one, the blind spot of the rearview mirror is another cause. In most of the accidents, the riders and sometimes, with co-riders, the wives or girlfriends were knocked down and rolled over by cars, vans or trucks resulting in the blood and flesh spread on the roads. The motorcycle and scooter riders with co-riders or passengers while changing lane, sometimes turned into the big wheel of a 4-wheel towing deck behind a 10-wheel truck or 18-wheel trailer due to the blind spot of the rearview mirror. One could imagine what scary and loathsome scene when the wheels rolled over the motorbike and bodies of the rider and co-rider. This kind of tragedy keeping repeating until now. No one suggested anything to remedy the situation but only blamed the riders for their non-alertness and non-cautiousness.

[0087] In fact, these kinds of tragedies could be avoided, if the signal light of the motorcycles and scooters are highly installed, preferable at the edge of the rearview mirror which could also cover the blind spot. The present invention, the Wide Range Rearview Mirror with signal and safety light serves the purpose of life-saving and safety riding of motorbikes and scooters.

[0088] The designed patterns of the present invention for motorcycles and scooters are depicted at FIG. 36, FIG. 36A, FIG. 36B and FIG. 36C as pattern IV, in three variations. The drawings depicted in FIG. 37, and FIG. 37A are different view of the designed pattern similar to earlier pattern I. FIG. 37B is a variation of earlier Pattern IIa. These designed patterns are for motorcycles and scooters and reciprocally, applicable to motor vehicles. The constructions of the structure are similar to that of the motor vehicles. Apparently, the mounting of the module of signal and safety lights is simple as more space is available since the rearview mirrors have no mechanism installed for judging the mirror. Therefore, the thickness of the mirror over could be reduced and the bending curve of the mirror cover would be reduced to 118°. The electrical wires for the signal light and safety light, could follow the diagram in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 respectively for connecting to the circuits of the motorcycles and scooters. With the installation of this invented multifunctional device, the Wide Range Rearview Mirror with signal and safety lights, the riding safety could be greatly enhanced.

Construction of the Preferred Embodiment

[0089] The constructions of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror and the modules for signal and safety light system are briefly described for information The invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror is a mirror with a combination of a curvature reflective mirror of ¼ (25%) in total horizontal length as composite to a flat reflective mirror of ¾ (75%) in total horizontal length. In order to create the portion of a curvature reflective mirror of ¼ horizontal length, the radius of the curvature and the degree of the bending curve angle obtained by the inventive steps earlier are crucial. Briefly describe hereunder the constructing steps: Firstly use Solid Works Program and set up a sketch box. Then sketch the mirror size as designed say 6½ in horizontal length with 3½ width. Set division line for ¼ (25%) horizontal length for curvature reflective mirror and key in the length of the radius of 18″ of the curvature and bending curve angle degree of 2.5° of the reflective mirror. Immediately the shape of the designed Wide Range Rearview Mirror appeared. Extrude the thickness of the mirror and then the designed Wide Range Rearview Mirror appeared in 3-dimension. Subsequently view the mirror in 4 directions. Then shape the corners of the mirror to meet the required shape of design. The designed mirror is now in 3-dimension and turn it in 4 directions to view how it looks like. When it meets all requirements then build mold and prototype for production. When the designed mirror is created then spray silver part on the surface of the mirror at the back and turn it into a reflective mirror. Then spray with scotch guard on the surface of the mirror for water proof. At the back of the mirror supply a sheet of plastic to protect the mirror. This invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror will be rounded up with rubber frame gasket with base built on it for connecting to the body of the rearview mirror.

[0090] The construction of a module for signal and safety lights could also be done on Solid Works Program. Use the sketch box to sketch the designed size of the module of lights. Assumed that the designed size of the module is in 3½ inches width and 2½ inches height and divided into 2 compartments, the upper level for signal light and the lower level for safety light. Then shape the curve of the module according to the design. Then build mold and prototype for production of the module. The finished product of the module is to be installed with reflectors for signal light and safety light. The LED Super beam bulbs are simultaneously installed for the bulbs compartment of signal light and safety light within the module. After installing the connector and wire, the module is to be secured with the light cover of the module. When it is done, the completed module of signal light and safety light could be mounted onto the housing of the mirror. All the modules for all the patterns of lights could be professionally done by the manufacturers.

Industrial Application

[0091] This invented Wide Range Rearview Mirror, incorporated with the designed signal and safety light system when commercialized, it will be termed as “JC Mirror With Lights” for identification. A plurality of designs of the JC Mirror With Lights with different sizes made suitable for various types of vehicles, such as cars, cruisers, vans, trucks, busses, and motorcycles and scooters. The added function of the rearview mirror with signal light and safety light system is a contribution to the road safety of the vehicles and other road users.

[0092] The JC Mirror with Lights could be installed for new vehicles by the car manufacturers around the world with a reasonable cost. The real cost of the Wide Range Rearview Mirror could be the same as the existing flat rearview mirrors. The additional cost is the provision of the designed signal and safety light system to the mirror.

[0093] The selling price for this new Mirror could be slightly higher by 10%-20% after the new feature is added. There is no new technique required to manufacture the curved mirrors as a mold could easily be made according to the given radius and the degree of the bending curve of the curvature mirror with Solid Work Program as revealed earlier.

[0094] The additional cost 10%-20% of manufacturing this invented “JC Mirror with Lights would be reflected in the selling price. However, by installing this JC Mirror with Lights, the vehicle drivers and the motorcycle riders could receive the added benefit of the improved safety and convenience. The benefits of installing the JC Mirror with Lights are greater than the simple one to one correspondence to the increase of manufacturing cost. Thus, a 10%-20% increase in cost of manufacturing of the JC Mirror with Lights yields greater than 10%-20% benefit, in term of safety, life and property lost. The claims of insurance in accidents are tremendous as well as the time lost and the cost involved in court proceedings and police investigations. The JC Mirror with Lights is a fine tuning multifunctional safety device designed with the computer Curve Fitting Program. Scientifically, it is the best and the most effective device for safety driving and riding. Absolutely, it is a wonderful product. Apart from enhancing the driving and riding safety, it gives an aesthetical pleasant to the vehicle owners and the public. This invented elegant safety device could provide a good choice to the automobile industry and the public. 

1. A created signal and safety light system incorporated with an invented exterior Wide Range Rearview Mirror of which the wide angle mirror cover edge is created with 128° so as to enable the flashing of signal light and illumination of safety light mounting at the exterior rearview mirror for the left side and the right side of motor vehicles could be seen from the front, the side and the rear.
 2. A created signal and safety light system incorporated with the invented exterior Wide Range Rearview Mirror which is a combination mirror of a ¼ (25%) curvature reflective mirror as composite of a ¾ (75%) flat reflective mirror in which the bending curve angle of the curvature reflective mirror is 2.5° with a curvature radius of 18 inches.
 3. A wide angle exterior rearview mirror cover edge created with 128° curve and any curve angle between 90°-140° for review mirror of claim 1 and claim 2 or for any exterior rearview mirror for gaining additional space to accommodate the mounting of modules of signal light and safety light is governed under this invention.
 4. A created exterior Wide Range Rearview Mirror of claim 2 for the left side and the right side of motor vehicles, is to have the bending curve angle between 2° and 7° for the curvature reflective mirror and a radius of 16 inches to 19 inches.
 5. A created exterior Wide Range Rearview Mirror of claim 2 is not with convex surface but with plane reflective surface sprayed with transparent scotch guard.
 6. An invented exterior Wide Range Rearview Mirror of claim 1 and claim 2 is a multifunctional rearview mirror covering the blind spot, providing safety light for safety night driving and providing a signal light for lane changing and cornering turning safety.
 7. An exterior Wide Range Rearview Mirror of claim 2 with adjusted combination regardless of length, bending angle degree and sizes of the curvature mirror, designed with computer Curve Fitting Program and Solid Work Program is under the jurisdiction of this invention.
 8. A signal and safety light system incorporated with the claim 1 and claim 2 at any positions of the mirror in any shapes, round, oval, square, or rectangle and manufactured in various sizes and patterns for the use of cars, vans, trucks, cruisers, buses, trailers and motorcycles and scooters.
 9. A signal and safety light system incorporated with the Wide Range Rearview Mirror of claim 1 and claim 2 in oval shape mounted to the edge of the mirror cover as Pattern I.
 10. A signal and safety light system incorporated with the Wide Range Rearview Mirror of claim 1 and claim 2 each with two outlets in oval shapes mounted on to the mirror cover as Pattern Ia.
 11. A signal and safety light system incorporated with the Wide Range Rearview Mirror of claim 1 and claim 2 mounted to the edge cover housing and one safety light in round shape mounted in front of the mirror as Pattern II.
 12. A signal and safety light system incorporated with exterior Wide Range Rearview Mirror of claim 1 and claim 2 having two signal light outlets in round shape with one in a arrow image, mounted to the edge of mirror cover and one safety light in round shape mounted to the mirror cover respectively as Pattern IIa
 13. A signal and safety light system incorporated with the two signal light outlets in round shape with one in a arrow image and two safety light outlets in front of the mirror cover in round shape as Pattern IIb.
 14. A signal and safety light system incorporated with the Wide Range Rearview Mirror of claim 1 and claim 2 wherein the signal alights and safety lights are illuminated by LED Super Beam with one bulb for one outlet as Pattern IIc.
 15. A special designed signal and safety light system incorporated with the big size of Wide Range Rearview Mirror of claim 1 and claim 2 with one module of signal light and another module of signal and safety light respectively mounted to the edge cover and the front cover of the mirror invented for buses, trailers and other heavy vehicles as Pattern III.
 16. A signal and safety light system under the same methology incorporated with the conventional exterior flat rearview mirror in various patterns for cars, vans, pickups, cruisers, buses, trailers, heavy vehicles and motorcycles and scooters is governed under this inventions.
 17. The replica of the exterior Wide Range Rearview Mirrors of claim 1 and claim 2 with curvature mirror at the right side incorporated with signal and safety lights in various patterns is for the right side of the motor vehicles, motorcycles and scooters.
 18. A created signal and safety light system incorporated with the Wide Range Rearview Mirror of claim 1 and claim 2 depicted as Patterns IV and other variations for motor cycles are reciprocally applicable to motor vehicles.
 19. A signal and safety light system incorporated with the Wide Range Rearview Mirror of claim 1 and claim 2 for motor cycles and scooters of which the created wide angle mirror cover edge is reduced to 118° so as to reduce the thickness of the mirror cover for aesthetical esthetical reason.
 20. A side curvature mirror created by separating the ¼ portion of curvature mirror from the Wide Range Rearview Mirror of claim 2 as an independent piece of curvature side mirror for sticking respectively onto the edge of the left side and the right side of the existing flat rearview mirror. 